An epidermoid cyst is a harmless growth that contains keratin. Learn more about its symptoms, and treatment options, here. An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst usually found on the skin, made of squamous epithelium and keratin. Learn about its signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, terminology and images. What is an epidermoid cyst ? An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst derived from the infundibulum or upper portion of a hair follicle, encapsulated in a thin layer of epidermis -like epithelium. Epidermoid cysts are typically filled with keratin and lipid -rich debris [1,2]. Synonyms for an epidermoid cyst include: Epidermal cyst Epidermal ... In addition to occurring in many visceral organs, epidermoid cysts may also appear on the skin and mucous membranes. An epidermoid cyst is a common type of cutaneous cyst with an epidermis-like epithelial lining (wall). The lining of the cyst produces keratin. The term sebaceous cyst , which has formerly been used as a synonym for epidermoid cyst , is inappropriate because of the absence of sebaceous glands within the cyst lining. It is the result of the proliferation of surface epidermoid ...